Hydrogen Pressure Sensor is Certified for Use on Fuel-Cell Vehicles

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American Sensor Technologies has developed the AST 2000H2 Hydrogen ASIC Pressure Sensor for use on hydrogen-powered vehicles and in other emerging hydrogen applications. The sensors are already certified for use by European and Asian automobile manufacturers as on-board hydrogen sensors for fuel cell vehicles. Anticipated volume production for these vehicles will begin 2014/2015. To overcome hydrogen permeability and embrittlement, the AST 2000H2 Hydrogen Pressure Sensors employ a one-piece thick diaphragm, free of internal O-rings, welds or fill fluids, that keep hazardous media out, eliminating the chance of hydrogen permeation and eventual sensor failure. To reduce the chance of embrittlement caused by long-term exposure to hydrogen, units are constructed from a version of high strength 316L stainless steel wetted parts that promote long life and resistance to media corrosion. The company’s Krystal Bond Technology is asserted to reduce long-term drift to just 0.25 percent per year. The technology also utilizes an inorganic bond, free from glue line failure and outgassings.

Tested to a variety of hydrogen and automotive standards including TUV and EIHP, the AST2000H2 pressure sensors combine the best mechanical design for hydrogen measurement with high performance digital compensation. 79/2009/EC approval was obtained for the 2MPa range of the Model AST2000 Pressure Sensors that are used as components on the vehicle hydrogen regulator controlling hydrogen flow to the fuel cell stack. Also approved are the 35MPa range of these pressure sensors that are typically used on Class 3 hydrogen tanks for use on buses, forklifts, cars, farm machinery, off-road vehicles and stationary back-up power systems. In addition, the sensors have been tested under the supervision of TUV for 70MPa range for Class 4 tanks and are awaiting EC79 approval.